I am comparing two head units, one has 22% more power than the other but would cost me about 50% more.

My understanding of power VS DB would tell me that given the same speakers increasing the amp power 20% will only increase sound output by 1db. Since 1db is considered the minimum about of change most folks can detect, then it would SEEM to be a waste of money to pay 1.5x more for a 22% increase in power.

I have no interest in a fancy car audio system - it is a convertible and I only drive it when I can put the top down - I just plan on getting a better HU that can play MP3s and has an aux in jack for my XM SkyFi2. I will use the OEM speakers at first to see how that sounds, and might upgrade to some efficient aftermarket speakers later (Polks?).

Anyway, unless I am mis-remembering the math of it - paying 1.5x for a little over 1db more output does not make sense, does it?

Thanks EJs!
Dennis

 

well, all other considerations aside, i doubt the additional power will be worth it...

what are the 2 head units though? maybe there's something else different between the two that might make it worth the money?

is one CEA-2006 compliant and the other not? does one require an expensive aux input adapter while the other doesn't? etc...